by T L Gray
Reassuring her, I lightly touched her cheek. “Don’t worry about me at all tonight, Grace. I’m here for you, in whatever way you need.”
She let out a long, grateful sigh. “I’ve never done this without my mother before. My stomach feels like someone just released a thousand butterflies.”
“You’ll be great. I’ve seen you charm everyone who comes for a tour of the center. I have no doubt they will all be handing you their wallets before the night is over.”
Grace glanced at me playfully again. “That’s the plan. I can’t wait to show the kids what we are going to do to the building.”
“How many people are expected?”
“Two hundred,” she said proudly.
Two hundred people at fifteen thousand dollars a plate. It didn’t take a math genius to know she was raising some serious cash.
“Grace, that’s . . .”
Her eyes sparkled. “I know.”
Once again she amazed me. I had doubted her ability to fill Liz’s shoes, but as always she took my expectations and shredded them. I was beginning to realize that no task was too big for her determined spirit.
We were the first to arrive at the hotel, but the valets were already in place and ready to take our keys. A wide red carpet started at the curb and continued to the threshold of a grand entryway.
I watched in awe as Grace examined every inch of the entrance, talking protocol with the valets. She was efficient but gentle, and never once came across as snobby. She followed the same pattern with the various servers in the ballroom, adjusting the settings and flowers as needed on each table.
I hung back in the shadows, glancing around the ornate room that screamed elegance and wealth. Enormous chandeliers hung from the ceiling, which had elaborate murals painted on it. The room was filled with flickering candles and vases of flowers. Every table looked like a masterpiece.
To say I was out of my element was an understatement. I didn’t know where to go or how to help, or even what was acceptable to touch. Several servers stopped by to offer me food, but everything on the tray was unrecognizable to me, except the caviar, which I refused to eat just on principle.
I was so caught up in watching the grand spectacle that I didn’t notice Sam approaching until he was right next to me.
“You look lost.” His words weren’t said out of concern for my welfare but more as an accusation.
“Just giving Grace the space she needs before guests start to arrive.” My voice was as short and clipped as his. I turned my head to acknowledge him, the standoff beginning.
“I checked you out.”
“I’m sure you did.” I watched him closely, never exposing that his words had gotten to me. My stony stare and lack of interest was having the effect I wanted, and I could see Sam’s jaw tighten.
“You’re not good enough for her.”
“I think that’s Grace’s decision to make. Not yours.” My words may have sounded apathetic, but the spark crawling up my spine was anything but.
“Gracie is finding herself, and she’s pushing boundaries just to see if she can. But rest assured, you are just part of the growing pains . . . nothing more.” He walked away when he’d finished, leaving me to stew not only on his words but also on his calling her Gracie, a vast reminder of this guy’s closeness to her family.
The room suddenly felt hot, and I tugged at the stiff, constricting shirt collar. Grace appeared while I was still fidgeting, sending me a reassuring smile.
“I’m so sorry. I’m finished now, though, unless there’s a fire to put out.” She slipped her hand in mine, slightly tugging. “Come on, it’s mingle time. I need more of that Holloway charm.” She finished with a quick kiss to my cheek, finally noticing how rigidly I was standing. “You okay?”
Taking in her worried expression, I forced a smile and gave her hand a squeeze. “Just enjoying the view.” She blushed as I made a point to look at her from head to toe, distracting both of us from my obvious discomfort. Satisfied that I was okay, she led us over to a group of people who had just come in the door.
Grace managed each conversation masterfully, balancing interest in each person with subtle pushes for funding the center. I tried to say as little as possible, knowing I was more likely to put my foot in my mouth than to contribute. When the men got a little too charmed by Grace, I would subtly slip my hand around her waist, protecting her from their glances or fleeting touches.
After a long twenty minutes, the crowd was shuffled into the dining area just as a live band began playing soft dinner music. Each table was marked, and I tried to hide my annoyance at the sight of Sam’s name card next to Grace’s. Luckily, five others joined our group, so Sam kept his threatening stares to a minimum. However, the conversation at the table revolved mostly around the stock market, profit margins, and subtle hints of one’s bank account.
At least the entrée was recognizable—filet mignon. Even in my tense state, I had to admit it was the most tender piece of meat I’d ever put in my mouth. The food was almost enough to improve my steadily declining mood until one of the ladies at the table smiled weakly in my direction.
“So, Mr. Holloway, what do you do?” The many diamonds on her neck and wrist could have funded a small country.
Returning her fake smile, I casually answered, “I’m the manager at a counseling office downtown. We work mostly with troubled teens.”
“A manager. That’s nice.” I let her dismissive words roll off my back. I couldn’t care less what she thought of my position.
Grace jumped in. “Matt also works with the kids at the center. He has a remarkable way of getting through their defenses. It’s our greatest goal to show these kids consistency and trust.” She squeezed my leg under the table.
“Oh, that’s lovely, dear.” The lady turned back to other conversations, eager to avoid any talk of the center.
Grace leaned in, her breath light on my collar. “I warned you about the spouses.” Her voice was apologetic, and for some reason her concern irked me. I wasn’t embarrassed about my job or my position. I believed in what I did every day, and some overpampered socialite wasn’t going to change that.
I stuffed another piece of meat into my mouth to avoid saying what I wanted to. I was eager for Carter Fields to take the stage, but for completely different reasons from the others’. His speaking meant this night was that much closer to being over.
I stood by Grace as she said good-bye to the last couple leaving. The rest of the night had gone off without a hitch, and even I was inspired by the message Carter Fields delivered about sacrifice and helping the next generation. His words were so wrought with emotion and passion that one would have to have been dead not to write a check. As promised, Grace held the signing to only thirty minutes and then escorted Carter Fields to his car while the guests continued to mingle.
By then I felt ready to collapse. I’d grown up in a terrible neighborhood and spent two years in juvie, and yet I had been more on guard the past three hours than ever in my life. Dress it up with diamonds and pearls, but a snake is still a snake, and I’d met more than my share that evening. Of course, they weren’t all bad. Some were genuine in their desire to help the center, and I noticed Grace spent the most time with those folks. She had an uncanny ability to spot a fake—one more thing I admired.
The night did bring about a clarity I hadn’t expected. Grace was by far the most beautiful, intriguing, and special woman I’d ever known. If I thought she had me on my knees before, I was completely lost now.
The door closed behind the lagging guests and Grace immediately kicked off her shoes, hanging her head in exhaustion. Before I could move, Sam swept her up in a huge embrace.
“Gracie Belle, you blew me away. I think you outdid your mother tonight.” She couldn’t see his face while he held her, but I could, and I didn’t like it. A man didn’t shut his eyes when he held “family.”
Completely oblivious, Grace hugged him back. “Not possible, but thank you. I can’
t wait to see the final numbers.”
Sam released her, looking mischievous and far too smug for my liking. “Nope. It’s going to be a surprise. I’ll give you the final total after all the bills are paid. Then we’ll start renovations. I hope you aren’t sick of me yet, ’cause I’m going to be around a lot more.”
I didn’t miss the way Sam’s eyes rested on me when he uttered those last words. A promise or a warning. I wasn’t sure. Well, he wasn’t the only one with something to say. If the fund-raiser was an attempt to scare me off, the man obviously didn’t know whom he was dealing with.
Walking up behind her, I slipped my hands around Grace’s waist and pulled her tightly against me. Her reaction to my touch was the only message I needed as I lightly kissed her jawline.
She rested her head against my chest and closed her eyes for a second. “I’m so ready to go home.” Our familiarity and comfort with each other was unmistakable, even to the hardheaded Sam Hartsford.
For the first time in hours, I felt a grin spread. “Let’s go, then.”
I released her and she slipped her shoes back on before saying good-bye to Sam, taking a few minutes to finalize follow-up details. I could tell he was trying to come up with some reason for her to stay, but he gave in when he saw the exhaustion on her face.
“Sam, it was good to see you again,” I lied before wrapping my arm possessively around Grace and leading her out the door. My parting look told him exactly where he could put his “growing pains.”
Chapter 24
* * *
GRACE
Now that the banquet was over and Sam had finally returned to New York, things felt like they were getting back to normal. I spent the next two days familiarizing myself with all the changes Darius made while I was overwhelmed with banquet planning.
Calling the new approach strict was an understatement, as Darius pretty much cleaned house. Twenty kids were now on our banned indefinitely list. In addition, all the kids were getting scanned on entry for guns and knives. I knew the changes were necessary after the incident with Eric, but they still saddened me. The facility was supposed to feel like a home, not a detention center.
Matt was the happiest with all the changes, assuring me that safety is a gift most of the kids aren’t afforded. Sighing at a name I recognized on the banned list, I wondered how he had gotten into such a bad crowd. Trey had been one of my favorites. Sure, he had a little crush on me, irritating Matt with his hugs, but the kid was witty and charming. His future had so much promise, and now my ability to influence it was completely gone. I wanted to call and ask Liz how she did it. How did she survive watching kid after kid slip through her fingers?
Eager for a distraction, I picked up my cell and dialed my father. He’d left me two messages already today. I wasn’t consciously avoiding him, but deep down I knew that Sam had likely given a full report on my welfare . . . one that included Matt, no doubt. It wasn’t that I was keeping him a secret or anything. I just wanted my father to meet him before he let some old files and Sam’s opinions cloud his judgment.
“Hey, Gracie Belle, give me one second, baby,” my father said. I heard his muffled voice as he politely dismissed whoever was in the room. I smiled to myself, loving that my father made me feel important in that way. I could call or stop by the office anytime, and he always made time for me.
“Sorry about that. So I heard you were quite the vision on Saturday. Sam just went on and on.” The pride in his voice was unmistakable.
“The banquet was pretty amazing. I’m dying to hear the final numbers, though. Has he given any hint?”
My father laughed. “Sorry, baby, I’m not even touching that one. Sam made me promise, and you know how he is about surprises.”
I folded my arms and pouted, feeling like I was back in high school. Sam had made a big point to tease me for months about my eighteenth-birthday present, swearing my father to secrecy. He had so much fun torturing me about the secret that when the present finally came, I was too mad to even enjoy it. Well, until Lacey and I were on the plane to Fiji, and then I decided to stop hating him.
Daddy’s voice broke through my reverie. “So was Carter Fields as epic as they say he is?”
I laughed at my dad’s attempt at modern lingo. “Yes, he really was.” I went on to tell him all about the banquet and how inspiring Carter’s message had been.
We talked for at least fifteen minutes before my father addressed the elephant in the room. “So, Gracie, that’s it? Nothing else going on in your life that’s big right now?”
I stifled a laugh. “Is there something you want to ask me, Daddy?”
He let out a heavy sigh. “Sweetheart, you have no idea what it’s like to watch your daughter hurting and not be able to help her. Seeing your sadness after you and Stewart called off the wedding broke my heart. I just want you to be happy.”
“Matt makes me happy,” I assured him, knowing Sam had filled him in on my new boyfriend.
“It seems awfully soon, baby.” The concern in his tone brought tears to my eyes.
“This isn’t a rebound, Daddy. Matt is a wonderful person, warm and compassionate. I know if you met him and took the time to get to know him, you’d like him as much as I do.”
Silence answered my pleading voice, and I internally cursed Sam for attempting to poison my father against Matt.
“You’re a grown woman, Gracie, so I’m not going to tell you what to do. But, your loving, experienced, and protective father strongly feels that you need to spend time on yourself. Figure out what you want to do without the distraction of another relationship. If Stewart’s not the guy, then so be it. But don’t settle for less than you deserve. Be patient and make sure you find someone who has long-term potential.”
I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut, with the words I wanted to say lodged in my throat. First Sam and now my dad. If one more person implied that Matt wasn’t good enough for me, I was going to scream. “I’ve got to run, Daddy, but love you. I’ll think about what you said.”
“That’s all I want. Love you, too, Gracie. I’m so proud of you.”
I hung up feeling oddly conflicted. My time in Asheville had been short, only a couple of months, but I’d grown so much in that time that it felt like years. My family still saw me as the naive girl who was nursing a bitter breakup and searching for answers. I’d changed, though, grown. New York had been my cocoon, but in Asheville I was finally a butterfly.
Walking toward the door to my office, I looked out onto the court where Matt and Marcus were getting in a few last-minute baskets before closing. Matt caught me watching and smiled before charging the net for a layup. My insides went liquid the minute his eyes were on mine, and I knew without question that our relationship had nothing to do with Stewart or my quest to find myself. Matt and I connected in every way—our interests, our passions, and our beliefs all melded into one brilliant medley. In time my family would understand.
When Marcus saw me approach, he shook his head and snarled at Matt, “Show-off.”
“Oh, I don’t know, you were putting up some pretty sweet moves yourself,” I assured him with a smile. “Why don’t we make it interesting? If you get the next point, Matt owes us both dinner at Pizza Kitchen. What do you say, Matt?”
He winked at me before tossing Marcus the ball. “I’ll take that wager.”
I knew without looking that Marcus would score, but cheered all the same when he sunk a perfect free-throw shot. I loved seeing Marcus smile; it was a rare occurrence, but when he did, joy radiated from his face like a ray of sunshine. The thin, hard shell he’d kept tightly around himself, the shell no one before had been able to penetrate, was melting.
I locked up my office and met the guys at the front doors. The minute we exited, Matt wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close so he could kiss my temple. “You think you’re pretty sly, don’t you, Ms. Covington?”
Matching his teasing grin, I shrugged. “I was in the mood for pizza. You were just a
means to an end.”
Marcus made a puking face when Matt retaliated by locking me tightly against him and tickling me until I screamed.
“Come on, I’m hungry!” Marcus whined, standing by my car.
Matt let me go and gave Marcus a fake scowl. “You’re always hungry.”
Handing Matt my keys, I slid in the passenger seat and listened as the two of them bantered all the way to the restaurant. They sounded like siblings and I had a glimpse, just for a moment, of what my future could look like. Matt caught me staring and responded with a wink before turning his attention back to the road. My stomach fluttered, but not from Matt’s sexy wink. It fluttered because I knew in that moment I was in love with him.
Marcus ate an entire pizza by himself and was on his second roll of quarters in the arcade. I knew we should cut him off soon, but I had no defense against his big brown pleading eyes.
Finally Matt called that it was the last game, despite Marcus’s protests.
“Come on, man, just a little longer.”
“It’s late, Marcus. Last game. Grace’s choice.” The tone of Matt’s voice stopped Marcus’s arguing, and I picked foosball since I knew we could all play.
“Marcus and me against you, Matt.” I smiled, pointing to the game table. Marcus hooted and ran over to spend his last quarter.
Matt and I walked over together, but he looked pensive. “You okay?”
“Yeah. It’s just the way Marcus was playing basketball tonight. He’s favoring his right side. I noticed it when he was playing Buck Shot, too. He couldn’t lift his right arm high enough for the shot.”
I jerked my head toward the impatient kid hollering for us to hurry up. He seemed fine to me, just like any other ten-year-old at an arcade.